Information Technology (9626)
This syllabus encourages learners to become effective and discerning users of IT. It helps them to develop a broad range of IT skills, knowledge and understanding. Learners study the structure and use of IT systems within a wide range of organisations, including the use of a variety of computer networks. As a result, learners gain an understanding of IT system life cycles, and how these affect the workplace. They also learn about the wider impact of IT on society in general. At A Level, learners also study simple programming for the web relevant to their own use of IT.
We recommend students that register to this course, have an IGCSE in Information and Communication Technology (ICT), or the equivalent from another Educational Curriculum.
Link to full Syllabus: https://www.cambridgeinternational.org/Images/502964-2021-syllabus.pdf
Key Concepts
The key concepts on which this syllabus is built are set out below. If mastered, learners can use the concepts to solve problems or to understand unfamiliar subject-related material.
- Impact of Information Technology
Information Technology (IT) is the application of technology to process information. The impact of IT on all aspects of everyday life is immense. The enormity of the impact can be seen in industry and commerce, transport, leisure, medicine and the home. The impact on the work force is a very important factor to consider and communications using new technologies have made the world seem smaller.
- Hardware and software
Many hardware components and software applications are used in IT systems. It is important to understand how these work, and how they interact with each other and within our environment.
- Network
Computer systems can be connected together to form networks allowing them to share resources.
- The internet
The internet is a global communications network that allows computers worldwide to connect and share information in many different forms. Examples include email, web pages, and audio and video files. The impact of the internet on our lives is profound. While it provides huge benefits to society, security of data is an issue, both in the workplace and for personal data.
- System life cycle
Information systems are developed within a planned continuous cycle that covers the initial development of the system through to its scheduled updating or redevelopment. Each phase of development is organised into separate stages.
- New technologies
As the information industry changes so rapidly, it is important to keep track of new and emerging technologies and consider how they might affect everyday life.
Recognition and Progression
Cambridge Internationals sexpertise in curriculum, teaching and learning, and assessment is the basis for the recognition of the programmes and qualifications around the world. Every year thousands of students with Cambridge International AS & A Levels gain places at leading universities worldwide. They are valued by top universities around the world including those in the UK, US (including Ivy League universities), Europe, Australia, Canada and New Zealand.
UK NARIC, the national agency in the UK for the recognition and comparison of international qualifications and skills, has carried out an independent benchmarking study of Cambridge International AS & A Level and found it to be comparable to the standard of AS & A Level in the UK. This means students can be confident that their Cambridge International AS & A Level qualifications are accepted as equivalent, grade for grade, to UK AS & A Levels by leading universities worldwide.
Cambridge International A Level Information Technology provides a suitable foundation for the study of IT or related courses in higher education. Equally it is suitable for candidates intending to pursue careers or further study in IT, or as part of a course of general education. Cambridge International AS Level Information Technology is the first half of Cambridge International A Level Information Technology. Depending on local university entrance requirements, the qualification may permit or assist progression directly to university courses in information technology or some other subjects.
Resources
The following are the preferred resources at Istanbul International School:
- Cambridge AS/A Level IT 9626 Coursebook
- Dell Laptop
Cambridge International Examinations
AS Level Candidates take:
Paper 1
Theory – 50% (1 hour 45 minutes)
This written paper tests sections 1–10 of the syllabus content.
Candidates answer each question in the spaces provided on the question paper. All questions are compulsory.
Externally assessed
Paper 2
Practical – 50% (2 hours 30 minutes)
This paper tests sections 8–10 of the syllabus content. Candidates will also need to use their previous knowledge from sections 1–7.
All tasks are compulsory.
Candidates must use the most appropriate software and the most appropriate methods.
Externally assessed
A Level candidates take:
Paper 1
Theory – 25% (1 hour 45 minutes)
This written paper tests sections 1–10 of the syllabus content.
Candidates answer each question in the spaces provided on the question paper. All questions are compulsory.
Externally assessed
Paper 2
Practical – 25% (2 hours 30 minutes)
This paper tests sections 8–10 of the syllabus content. Candidates will also need to use their previous knowledge from sections 1–7.
All tasks are compulsory
Externally assessed
Paper 3
Advanced Theory – 25% (1 hour 45 minutes)
This written paper tests sections 11–19 of the syllabus content. The content of sections 1–10 is assumed knowledge.
Candidates answer each question in the spaces provided on the question paper.
All questions are compulsory.
Externally assessed
Paper 4
Advanced Practical – 25% (2 hours 30 minutes)
This paper tests sections 16–19 of the syllabus content, and sections 8–9 of the syllabus content within a problem-solving context. Candidates will also need to use their previous knowledge from all sections of the syllabus. All tasks are compulsory.
Candidates must use the most appropriate software and the most appropriate methods.
Externally assessed